What have you done today with your Austin Seven

[James Anderson]

In contrast to David Stepney's post, for once I didn't have the smallest car in a local car park today!


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[AllAlloyCup]

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I was the smallest car at the Duns Show today, parked up next to
a giant Delage longer than any Bentley I’ve ever seen!

Regards
 Bill G

[David Stepney]

In contrast to David Stepney's post, for once I didn't have the smallest car in a local car park today!

And probably on a similar scale!

[e-richard]

Tootle Pip !
A rare outing on a rare summery day.

   

[Howard Wright]

Hi All

Brecon Classic car show today.  A run of about 30miles away and a really great show.  Only two Sevens turned up but lots of newer and exotic machinery.  

A Lambourghini parked up right behind and insisted on blipping the throttle so teenagers (well they looked young) could take pics of the flames coming out of the exhausts.

The two Sevens were invited into the ring and quite a fuss was made.  The Lambo wasn't (tee hee!)

I don't think I've had so much interest in the car ever!

Cheers

Howard

[Steve kay]

Might only have been two Sevens in Brecon, Howard, probably because there were far too many to count at Prescott, in the paddock and in the car park. Some of our cherished suppliers also present, in off duty mode. Sorry, too busy talking to take any photos but I bet some pics will appear soon.

[David Stepney]

It being a fairly dismal afternoon here in Bala, and having taken delivery of a 1/4 BSF Helicoil set this week, I thought I would tackle my manifold studs.

I have been troubled ('plagued' is too strong a word) by niggling manifold problems ever since I bought FG in October last year. The first thing that I noticed was that one of the manifold studs at the rear had broken off, so , when I had the engine out to reline the clutch, I removed the manifold and drilled out the broken piece, re-threaded it and fitted a complete set of new studs. I noticed then that one or two of the block threads were a bit weak, but the new studs went in OK and appeared snug.

Then, one morning whilst I was on my way to Llangollen, one of the manifold studs came out and decanted the coolant all over the A5. Fortunately, the stud was lying on the side tray between the engine and the flitch plate, so it was jammed into its hole having wrapped the end with a piece of paper. Water was begged from a nearby house and I went on my way. A more permanent repair was effected when I got home using some 'magic' plumbers sealant that sets under water but I knew that I would have to deal with it eventually and so the problem was put on the (ever growing) list of things to be attended to when the car comes off the road this winter.

However, more recently, I have noticed a 'whicker' from the manifold on cold starts that goes away as the engine warms up, together with a tendency for the car to backfire on the overrun. Suspecting the manifold gasket, I ordered a new one and the aforementioned Helicoil kit to deal with any weak stud threads.

The original plan was to order an new exhaust system and do the manifold and exhaust at the same time, but given the difficulties already reported on this forum concerning exhaust system supplies, and, given that, in consequence, I have welded up the end plate on the silencer and it seems to be holding up well,  that plan didn't look as if it was going to happen in a hurry.

Once the bits were to hand, like an itch that has to be scratched, I simply had to get on with the job. So, having nothing else of importance to do this afternoon, I took the manifold off, filed the mating surfaces clean and flat, checked all the studs, helicoiled two of the threads into the block that appeared weak and put the car back together. I then found that one of the other studs refused to tighten, so off came the manifold again. The offending stud hole was helicoiled and the manifold replaced for the second time!

Took it on a test run and , as expected, the 'whicker' has gone. It still backfires on the overrun however,  but not with the enthusiasm that it did. I obviously still have an air leak on the exhaust somewhere but I suspect that I shall have to live with that until one of the cherished suppliers can obtain further supplies.

Of course, now that I have disturbed the radiator drain tap, it has developed a slight, but persistent drip. Ah well, something else to add to the list.......

Ah yes! I also checked and topped up the rear axle. It seems that the only part of the car that does not try to divest itself of its vital fluids is the gearbox. When I first had the car, I drained it of the 'glue' that was in it, washed it out with kerosene and refilled  with about 2/3rds of a pint of 20/50 which brought the level to within 1/2 in of the filler hole. And there it has stayed. I did think it was leaking from the gearchange turret, but this has turned out to be coming from the block to crankcase joint. Hmm. Something else to add to the list..........

[Steve kay]

   

An addition to the comparative size snaps. a Ruby next to a 19.6 Crossley.
For those waiting for long and winding exhausts, I was told yesterday that a batch have now been made, and Mark at Alderton and Jamie in North Walsham should have them in stock very soon.

[David Stepney]

Steve,

Is it an optical illusion, or is the Ruby wearing its front bumper at a somewhat rakish angle?

[Hedd_Jones]

This week is my week 'off' with daughter. So today, following a blood test (her, not me) we are off galavanting in a Seven. Despite the sunny weather, she has not opted for the open chummy, nor the RP with its sunshine roof, but my RL saloon with its fixed head. So here it is ready, battery connected, reunited with its carb and fluids checked ready for off.



I cant blame her, whearas I grew up only knowing what is now her RP, she grew up until recently only knowing my RL. She says shes missed it as we have recently been using the RP a lot, also the chummy a fair bit.

I have identified the annoying squeek on cornering as the newly fitted 350_400 rubbing the wheel arch. And have applied some lubricant to shut it up.

So we are off into Cheshire, initially to Mow Cop Castle, the the Bridestones near Congleton, then we shall see where the fancy takes me. I recently took part in a traction engine road run around Wincle so I may head up there and follow part if that route into Macclesfield. We shall see.